JP5509158B2 - Image forming system, image forming apparatus, portable terminal - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a portable terminal having an imaging unit and a display unit that displays an imaging result. The present invention also relates to an image forming apparatus and a portable terminal.

  For example, an image forming apparatus or the like may be provided with a display unit using a liquid crystal panel in order to notify the user of an error occurrence state. When a liquid crystal panel is used, characters, symbols, images, etc. can be displayed to inform the state. On the other hand, for example, products for emerging countries and developing countries may be manufactured that meet the demands of consumers and have as low a price as possible. In order to achieve a low price while suppressing the manufacturing cost as much as possible, a low price product may be provided with a plurality of LEDs instead of the liquid crystal panel, and the status may be displayed by the LEDs.

  However, as the number of LEDs to be provided increases, the manufacturing cost increases. In view of this, there are cases where a variety of messages are notified to the user while reducing the number of LEDs installed by devising the LED on / off pattern. Patent Document 1 discloses an invention for notifying various kinds of messages by such an LED lighting pattern. Specifically, in Patent Document 1, one display element for displaying a device alarm, failure detection means for detecting a failure of the own device for each type, and the type of failure detected by the failure detection means The communication device includes a blinking drive control unit that blinks and drives the display element in a blinking pattern in which blinking corresponding to the number of times is obtained. With this configuration, an alarm display regarding a plurality of types of faults is to be realized (see Patent Document 1: Claim 1, paragraph [0007], etc.).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-306445

  For example, in an image forming apparatus that does not have a liquid crystal panel and displays a state only with light emitting elements such as LEDs, numbers and characters are expressed by turning on / off patterns of a plurality of LEDs, and a lighting pattern is switched a plurality of times. It may represent a digit error code (eg, a four digit number). For example, when there are four LEDs, information of 4 bits (1/2 byte) can be transmitted by turning on / off the four LEDs. For example, a message such as an error code for 2 bytes can be displayed by switching the LED lighting pattern in four steps. As described above, in an image forming apparatus that displays a state using only a light emitting element such as an LED, the lighting pattern of the plurality of LEDs is switched a plurality of times to express a number or the like and notify an error.

  However, the user must recognize each lighting pattern of the plurality of LEDs and translate what message the image forming apparatus issues while viewing a manual or the like. At this time, the user may not always be able to accurately translate the LED on / off pattern. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately recognize and use a message issued from the image forming apparatus.

  Some image forming apparatuses transmit information indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, such as an error that has occurred, to a computer that can communicate with the image forming apparatus (for example, a computer at the desk). In this case, the user can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus without translating the lighting pattern of the LEDs. However, the user must move to the computer location in order to recognize the state of the image forming apparatus. As described above, there is a problem that even if the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the computer, it is difficult for the user to use.

  Here, looking at the invention described in Patent Document 1, the type of failure is displayed by the number of blinking of one display element using one display element. However, when there are many types of failures (for example, dozens to dozens), the number of blinking of the display element is very large to convey one failure, and the task of counting too many blinks is troublesome. . Further, since only one display element is used, it is not suitable for transmitting a detailed state. Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in terms of practicality and practicality, and cannot solve the problem that it is bothersome for the user and difficult to use.

  In view of the above-described problems of the prior art, the present invention recognizes an optical signal emitted from an image forming apparatus by switching on / off patterns of a plurality of light emitting elements with a portable terminal having an imaging unit, and recognizes the recognized image forming apparatus. It is an object to improve usability by displaying the state on a display unit of a portable terminal so that the state of the image forming apparatus can be confirmed accurately and easily.

  In order to solve the above problem, an image forming system according to a first aspect includes an image forming apparatus and a mobile terminal, and the image forming apparatus detects a print engine unit that performs printing and a state of the image forming apparatus. And a plurality of light emitting elements that display the state of the image forming apparatus, and the plurality of light emitting elements are displayed while the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed to the user by the light emitting elements. A panel unit that switches an on / off pattern and transmits an optical signal including state information of the image forming apparatus toward the portable terminal, wherein the portable terminal includes an imaging unit and a storage unit that stores an application; The image included in the optical signal from image data obtained by photographing the panel unit with the imaging unit based on the application, a display unit that displays an image and a screen Recognizing the status information of the deposition apparatus, and the state of the image forming apparatus and to contain a processing unit for displaying on the display unit.

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus in the image forming system includes a panel unit that switches on / off patterns of a plurality of light emitting elements and transmits an optical signal indicating the state of the image forming apparatus. A processing unit that recognizes status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal from image data obtained by photographing the panel unit with the imaging unit based on the application, and displays the status of the image forming apparatus on the display unit; ,including. Thereby, the user can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus with the portable terminal only by photographing each light emitting element of the image forming apparatus with the portable terminal. Accordingly, the user does not have to translate what message the image forming apparatus is issuing while accurately recognizing the light-on / off pattern of the light-emitting element that is switched a plurality of times and viewing the manual or the like. Even if there is a lot of status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal, there is no increase in the burden on the user. Further, the user does not have to move to the place where the computer that displays the state of the image forming apparatus is installed in order to know the state of the image forming apparatus as in the prior art. Then, the user can recognize the message issued from the image forming apparatus accurately and easily on the portable terminal. In this way, the state of the image forming apparatus can be recognized simply and accurately, and the user-friendliness can be improved.

Furthermore, in the invention of claim 1, the image forming apparatus includes a code display body including information indicating a download destination of the application corresponding to a model of the image forming apparatus, and the portable terminal communicates with the outside. A communication unit for performing, the processing unit of the portable terminal recognizes a download destination of the application based on image data obtained by photographing the code display body with the imaging unit, and The communication unit of the terminal acquires the application corresponding to the image forming apparatus from the recognized download destination.

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus has the code display body including information indicating the download destination of the application corresponding to the model, and the communication unit of the mobile terminal supports the image forming apparatus from the recognized download destination. Get the application. Thereby, an application corresponding to the format and type of the image forming apparatus can be downloaded to the portable terminal without complicated operation and work. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize the state of the image forming apparatus using the imaging unit with a portable terminal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the panel unit is configured to indicate that the optical signal is being transmitted to any one of the plurality of light emitting elements. It is used as a reference light emitting element for transmitting to the terminal, and during the transmission of the optical signal, the reference light emitting element is turned on or off, and the processing unit of the portable terminal is turned on or turned off. In this state, the state information included in the optical signal is recognized from the image data obtained by the imaging by the imaging unit that is transmitting the optical signal.

  According to this configuration, the panel unit uses any one of the plurality of light emitting elements as a reference light emitting element for transmitting to the mobile terminal that the optical signal is being transmitted, and transmits the optical signal. During, the reference light emitting element is turned on or off. Thereby, the start time and end time of the transmission (light emission) of the optical signal of the panel unit can be indicated to the portable terminal by the reference light emitting element. Therefore, the processing unit of the mobile terminal can accurately recognize information included in the optical signal.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the display unit of the portable terminal displays a photographing state of the imaging unit based on image data obtained by photographing of the imaging unit. Based on the application, the processing unit of the mobile terminal causes the display unit to display a frame in which the light emitting element of the panel unit is to be accommodated during display of the shooting state.

  According to this configuration, the processing unit of the mobile terminal causes the display unit to display a frame in which the light emitting element of the panel unit is to be accommodated during display of the shooting state based on the application. Thereby, when receiving the optical signal from the panel unit, it is possible to cause the user to perform photographing with a composition suitable for the user. Therefore, information included in the optical signal can be accurately recognized by the processing unit of the mobile terminal.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, during printing, the panel unit of the image forming apparatus transmits the optical signal indicating a printing status, and the processing unit of the portable terminal. Is configured to display the printing state of the image forming apparatus on the display unit.

  According to this configuration, during printing, the panel unit of the image forming apparatus transmits an optical signal indicating the printing status, and the processing unit of the portable terminal causes the display unit to display the printing state of the image forming apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to easily know the state of the image forming apparatus during printing, such as the remaining number of printed sheets.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention of claims 1 to 4, when the occurrence of an error by said state detecting portion is detected, the panel section of the image forming apparatus, the type of error that has at least generated The optical signal is transmitted, and the processing unit of the portable terminal displays the generated error on the display unit.

  According to this configuration, when the occurrence of an error is detected by the state detection unit, the panel unit of the image forming apparatus transmits an optical signal indicating at least the type of error that has occurred, and the processing unit of the mobile terminal has occurred. Display errors on the display. As a result, if an image is taken by holding the imaging unit of the portable terminal over the panel unit, the error that has occurred can be immediately recognized.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 includes a plurality of print engine units for performing printing, a state detecting unit for detecting the state of the image forming apparatus, and a plurality of light emitting elements for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus, The light including the state information of the image forming apparatus toward the portable terminal by switching on / off patterns of the plurality of light emitting elements while displaying the state of the image forming apparatus to the user by the light emitting element. seen containing a panel portion for transmitting a signal, wherein the panel section, among the plurality of the light emitting element, the reference for transmitting to the mobile terminal that any one of the light emitting element and the light signal is being originated While being used as a light emitting element, the reference light emitting element was turned on or off during transmission of the optical signal .

According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting elements, and a panel unit that transmits an optical signal indicating the state of the image forming apparatus to the portable terminal by switching the lighting pattern of the plurality of light emitting elements. ,including. Thereby, the user can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus using the portable terminal. Therefore, the user does not have to translate what message the image forming apparatus is emitting while recognizing the light-on / off pattern of the light-emitting element and looking at the manual or the like, as in the past. Even if there is a lot of status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal, there is no increase in the burden on the user. Further, the user does not have to move to the place where the computer that displays the state of the image forming apparatus is installed in order to know the state of the image forming apparatus as in the past. Then, the user can accurately and easily recognize the message issued from the image forming apparatus using the portable terminal. In this way, the state of the image forming apparatus can be recognized simply and accurately, and the user-friendliness can be improved. According to this configuration, the panel unit uses any one of the plurality of light emitting elements as a reference light emitting element for notifying the mobile terminal that the optical signal is being transmitted, and the optical signal. During the transmission, the reference light emitting element is turned on or off. Thereby, the start time and the end time of transmission (light emission) of the optical signal of the panel unit can be indicated to the portable terminal by the reference light emitting element. Therefore, information included in the optical signal can be accurately recognized by the mobile terminal.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, a code display body including information indicating a download destination of an application corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus is provided .

  According to this configuration, the image forming apparatus has the code display body including information indicating the download destination of the application corresponding to the model. Thereby, the application corresponding to the format and type of the image forming apparatus can be downloaded to the portable terminal without complicated operation and work. Therefore, the optical signal emitted from the panel unit can be easily recognized by the portable terminal.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the sixth or seventh aspect , during printing, the panel section transmits the optical signal indicating a printing status.

  According to this configuration, during printing, the panel unit transmits an optical signal indicating the printing status. As a result, it is possible to notify the state during printing such as the remaining number of printed sheets.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth to eighth aspects of the invention, when the occurrence of an error is detected by the state detection unit, the panel unit displays at least the optical signal indicating the type of error that has occurred. I decided to send it.

  According to this configuration, when the occurrence of an error is detected by the state detection unit, the panel unit transmits an optical signal indicating at least the type of error that has occurred. As a result, it is possible to notify an error that has occurred, such as the occurrence of a jam.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal including an imaging unit, a storage unit that stores an application, a display unit that displays an image and a screen, and a plurality of light emitting elements of an image forming apparatus based on the application. Recognizes the status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal from the image data obtained by shooting with the camera, and communicates with a processing unit that displays the status of the image forming apparatus on the display unit seen including a communication unit, a for said processing unit, an image obtained by photographing the code display containing information indicating the download destination of said application corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus by the image pickup unit Based on the data, the download destination of the application is recognized, and the communication unit of the mobile terminal is connected to the image forming apparatus from the recognized download destination. It was to get the Application.

  According to this configuration, the mobile terminal recognizes the state information included in the optical signal from the light emitting element from the image data obtained by photographing the plurality of light emitting elements of the image forming apparatus with the imaging unit based on the application. And a processing unit for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus on the display unit. Thereby, the state of the image forming apparatus can be recognized by the portable terminal only by photographing the light emitting element of the image forming apparatus with the portable terminal. Therefore, the user does not have to translate what message the image forming apparatus is emitting while recognizing the light-on / off pattern of the light-emitting element and looking at the manual or the like, as in the past. Even if there is a lot of status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal, the burden on the user is not increased. Further, the user does not have to move to the place where the computer that displays the state of the image forming apparatus is installed in order to know the state of the image forming apparatus as in the prior art. Then, the user can accurately and easily recognize the message issued from the image forming apparatus using the portable terminal. In this way, the state of the image forming apparatus can be recognized simply and accurately, and the user-friendliness can be improved.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the state information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal emitted from the image forming apparatus is recognized by the portable terminal having the imaging unit, and the recognized state of the image forming apparatus is determined by the portable terminal. On the display. Thereby, complicated and troublesome work such as translation can be eliminated. Further, the state of the image forming apparatus can be confirmed accurately and easily, and the usability can be improved.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system. FIG. It is a model left side sectional view showing an example of a printer. It is a model expanded sectional view which shows an example of an image forming unit. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of an image forming system. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining state detection by a printer. It is explanatory drawing which expanded the installation part of LED of a panel part. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the communication display for portable terminals using each LED of a panel part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the communication display toward the portable terminal using each LED of a panel part, and the state display in a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display during optical signal acquisition (reception) of a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the status display during printing of the printer in a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the status display of the printer at the time of the error generation in a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the status display of the printer at the time of the error generation in a portable terminal.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this description, the image forming system 100 including the printer 1 (corresponding to the image forming apparatus) and the portable terminal 2 will be described as an example. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

(Schematic configuration of the image forming system 100)
First, an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the image forming system 100.

  First, the printer 1 will be described. The printer 1 of this embodiment receives printing data from the computer 200 or the like and performs printing. The printed paper is discharged to a discharge tray (upper surface cover 1b) on the upper surface of the printer 1.

  Further, the printer 1 of the present embodiment can open and close the front cover 1a so that the paper can be removed when a paper jam occurs (the open / close direction is indicated by a solid arrow in FIG. 1). . Further, as shown by solid arrows in FIG. 1, the discharge tray (upper surface cover 1b portion) can be opened and closed for maintenance and replacement of the container 6 for toner supply.

  A panel unit 11 that displays the status of the printer 1 is provided on the right side of the upper portion of the printer 1. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, six LEDs 5 (LEDs 51 to 56, corresponding to light emitting elements) are provided on the panel unit 11. Details of the status display by the panel unit 11 and the LEDs 51 to 56 will be described later. As part of the panel unit 11, for example, an online key 1c for switching the printer 1 between an online state (printable state) and an offline state (non-printing state), or a cancel key for giving an instruction to cancel a print job or the like 1d is provided. In this description, an example in which two keys are provided is described, but three or more keys may be provided.

  Next, the mobile terminal 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the portable terminal 2 of this embodiment is what is called a smart phone. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 2 includes a display unit 21. The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal panel. And the icon of the application 7 (refer FIG. 4) used when using the portable terminal 2 can be displayed on the standby screen in the display part 21. FIG. The mobile terminal 2 has a touch panel unit 22 such as a capacitance type. The user can perform various operations by touching the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2. For example, the application 7 can be activated by touching an icon or the like. Although not visible in FIG. 1, an imaging unit 26 (camera) is provided on the back surface of the mobile terminal 2.

  Further, the mobile terminal 2 can make a call via the mobile phone network. Further, the portable terminal 2 can access a computer such as the server 4 via the network 3 and download the application 7 and data for the portable terminal 2.

  Here, the code 1e (corresponding to a code display body) is affixed to the housing of the printer 1 on the back side of the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 as a seal. The code 1e includes download destination address information of the application 7 for the printer 1. For example, the code 1e is a bar code or a QR code. When the user captures the code 1e with the imaging unit 26 (camera) of the mobile terminal 2, the mobile terminal 2 accesses the download site for the application 7 for the printer 1. As a result, the user can easily download the application 7 for the printer 1 simply by photographing the code 1e.

(Configuration of image forming apparatus)
Next, a schematic configuration of the printer 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic left side sectional view showing an example of the printer 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged sectional view showing an example of the image forming unit 150.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes a paper supply unit 13, a conveyance path 14, an image forming unit 15, a conveyance belt unit 16, and a fixing unit 17 as a print engine unit 12 (see FIG. 4) that performs printing. It is done.

  Here, the lowermost paper feed unit 13 of the printer 1 includes a cassette 131 that stores various types of paper sheets (for example, plain paper, recycled paper, postcards, OHP sheets, and the like). The cassette 131 can be removed for paper supply. The paper feed unit 13 includes a paper feed roller 132 that rotates to feed paper one by one to the transport path 14 (the paper transport direction is indicated by a broken line arrow).

  Then, the sheet is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 142 to the registration roller pair 143 on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the conveyance belt 163 while being guided by the guide plate 141 provided in the conveyance path 14. Then, the registration roller pair 143 in the conveyance path 14 sends the paper to the conveyance belt unit 16 in accordance with the transfer timing of the toner image formed by the image forming unit 15.

  The conveyor belt unit 16 includes a driving roller 161, a driven roller 162, and an endless conveyor belt 163 stretched around these rollers. Further, the conveyance belt 163 is sandwiched between a photosensitive drum 151 and a transfer roller 155 which will be described later. As a result, a nip is formed between each photosensitive drum 151 and the conveyor belt 163. The sheet from the registration roller pair 143 is conveyed while entering the nip.

  The image forming unit 15 includes a plurality of image forming units 150. Therefore, each image forming unit 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In the printer 1, the image forming unit 150M (for magenta), the image forming unit 150C (for cyan), and the image forming unit 150Y (yellow) are sequentially arranged from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction (the sheet conveying direction is indicated by broken line arrows in FIG. 2). And an image forming unit 150Bk (for black) are provided in parallel. These image forming units 150M, 150C, 150Y, and 150Bk form toner images of different colors. The image forming units 150M to 150Bk are different in the color of the toner image to be formed, but the configuration is the same, and the letters M, C, Y, and Bk are omitted unless otherwise described.

  Each image forming unit 150 includes a photosensitive drum 151, a charging device 152, an exposure device 153, a developing device 154, a transfer roller 155, and a cleaning device 156. Each photosensitive drum 151 serving as an image carrier is disposed at substantially the center of the image forming unit 150 and is driven to rotate. The charging device 152 charges the photosensitive drum 151 to a predetermined potential with a wire, a roller, a brush, or the like. The exposure device 153 irradiates light based on the image data to expose each photosensitive drum 151 and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 151. The developing device 154 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 151 and develops the electrostatic latent image with toner. The transfer roller 155 is arranged to face the lower side of each photosensitive drum 151. During printing, a predetermined voltage is applied to the transfer roller 155, whereby the toner image is transferred to the paper. Each image forming unit 150 forms a toner image and transfers the toner image while accurately superimposing the toner image on a sheet. Each cleaning device 156 removes toner and the like remaining on the photosensitive drum 151 after transfer with a blade, a roller, or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the container 6 that stores toner is connected to the developing device 154 of each image forming unit 150. Each container 6 accommodates toner or the like of a corresponding color and replenishes the corresponding developing device 154 with toner. Specifically, the container 6M contains magenta toner, the container 6C contains cyan toner, the container 6Y contains yellow toner, and the container 6Bk contains black toner. Each container 6 is detachable so that it can be replaced when it becomes empty.

  The sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed from the conveyance belt 163 to the fixing unit 17. When passing through the fixing unit 17, the sheet is heated and pressurized. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the paper. Thereafter, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge port 144 to the discharge tray (upper surface cover 1b). Thereby, the image formation is completed.

(Hardware configuration of image forming system 100)
Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of hardware of the image forming system 100.

  First, the printer 1 side will be described. A printer control unit 10 is provided in the printer 1. The printer control unit 10 controls the operation of the printer 1. The printer control unit 10 includes, for example, a CPU 10a, a printer storage unit 10b, and the like. The CPU 10a is a central processing unit, and controls each unit of the printer 1 based on a control program and control data stored in the printer storage unit 10b and developed. The printer storage unit 10b is configured by combining nonvolatile and volatile storage devices such as a ROM and a RAM. The printer storage unit 10b can store various data such as a control program for the printer 1, control data, setting data, and image data. The printer control unit 10 is connected to each unit such as a paper feeding unit 13, a conveyance path 14, an image forming unit 15, a conveyance belt unit 16, a fixing unit 17, and a panel unit 11 through a signal line, a bus, and the like, and controls operations. To do.

  The printer control unit 10 is communicably connected to a data communication unit 18 having various connectors and sockets. The data communication unit 18 includes image data, information on the transmission source, and information indicating settings in printing from a plurality of computers 200 (for example, a personal computer or server; only one is shown in FIG. 3 for convenience) via the network 3 or the like. Receive print data. The printer control unit 10 controls the image forming unit 15 and the like based on the printing data transmitted from the computer 200 to perform printing.

  Next, the mobile terminal 2 will be described. The portable terminal 2 includes a portable control unit 20 (corresponding to a processing unit), a ROM 23a, a RAM 23b, a flash memory 24 (corresponding to a storage unit), a display unit 21, a touch panel unit 22, an I / F unit 25, an imaging unit 26, and an audio processing. Unit 27, microphone 27a, reproduction processing unit 28, speaker 28a, wireless communication unit 29 (corresponding to a communication unit), and the like.

  The mobile control unit 20 is a part that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 2. For example, the portable control unit 20 includes a CPU 20a and an image processing unit 20b. The CPU 20 a controls the operation of the mobile terminal 2 based on the OS of the mobile terminal 2 and the application 7. The image processing unit 20b performs image processing on various image data. For example, the image processing unit 20 b performs image processing on image data obtained by photographing by the imaging unit 26 and displays the image data on the display unit 21.

  The ROM 23a and the flash memory 24 store a control program and control data for the portable terminal 2. The portable control unit 20 controls each unit of the portable terminal 2 according to the control program, control data, and application 7 stored in the ROM 23 a and the flash memory 24. Further, the downloaded application 7 can be stored in the flash memory 24 (a plurality of applications 7 can be stored, but only one is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience). In response to the user's activation request for the application 7 through the touch panel unit 22, the portable control unit 20 can read the application 7 and the program from the flash memory 24 into the RAM 23 b and execute them.

  The display unit 21 displays various information according to the request from the portable control unit 20. The touch panel unit 22 is connected to the portable control unit 20. The portable control unit 20 recognizes the touched position based on the output of the touch panel unit 22. And the portable control part 20 recognizes the touched object among the icons, buttons, keys, and the like displayed on the display part 21. For example, by pressing an icon, button, key, or the like, a desired application 7 can be activated or a telephone call can be made.

  The I / F unit 25 mounts connectors, sockets, and communication chips based on various standards. The I / F unit 25 reads data and programs stored in a recording medium (for example, a memory card) inserted into the I / F unit 25 and writes data to the recording medium.

  The imaging unit 26 is a camera provided in the mobile terminal 2. In addition to the lens, the imaging unit 26 processes the image sensor 26a, an analog signal output from the image sensor 26a, AFE (Analog Front End) that generates digital image data, and digital image data generated by AFE. A camera module 26b including a digital signal processor for processing (signal). Then, image data obtained by photographing by the imaging unit 26 is transmitted to the portable control unit 20.

  The wireless communication unit 29 includes an antenna and a communication circuit. The wireless communication unit 29 accesses the mobile phone network in response to an instruction from the mobile control unit 20. For example, data can be transmitted / received to / from the outside, such as downloading the application 7 from the server 4 via the wireless communication unit 29. In addition, the wireless communication unit 29 can transmit and receive voice data and make a call with the other party's telephone.

  The voice processing unit 27 performs signal processing into a form that can be transmitted from the wireless communication unit 29 on the voice input from the microphone 27a. The reproduction processing unit 28 decodes the partner type audio data received by the wireless communication unit 29 and causes the speaker to reproduce it.

(Status detection in image forming device)
Next, an example of state detection in the printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining state detection in the printer 1.

  The printer 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of sensors as a state detection unit that detects the state of the printer 1. For example, as a state detection sensor (state detection unit) provided in the printer 1, a cassette sensor 81, a paper remaining amount sensor 82, a paper out sensor 83, paper sensors 841 to 843, toner sensors 85M to 85Bk, an upper surface cover sensor. 86, front cover sensor 87, etc. (see FIG. 2).

  The cassette sensor 81 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the cassette 131 of the paper feed unit 13 is removed. The output of the cassette sensor 81 changes depending on whether the cassette 131 is attached or removed. For example, the cassette sensor 81 is an interlock switch that contacts the cassette 131 (see FIG. 2). However, the cassette sensor 81 may be an optical sensor or the like as long as it can detect whether or not the cassette 131 is removed. The output of the cassette sensor 81 is transmitted to the CPU 10a via the I / O port 10c of the printer control unit 10. Thereby, the CPU 10a can recognize whether or not the cassette 131 is removed.

  The remaining sheet sensor 82 is a sensor for detecting the remaining sheet in the cassette 131. For example, the remaining paper sensor 82 detects the position of the placement plate on which the paper is placed. For example, the remaining sheet sensor 82 includes a plurality of reflective optical sensors provided below the sheet feed roller 132 (see FIG. 2). And the position of the optical sensor which can receive reflected light changes with the position of a mounting board. However, other sensors may be used as the remaining sheet sensor 82 as long as the remaining sheet quantity can be detected. The output of each sensor of the remaining sheet sensor 82 is transmitted to the CPU 10 a via the I / O port 10 c of the printer control unit 10. Thereby, the CPU 10a can recognize the stepwise remaining amount of paper.

  The out-of-paper sensor 83 is a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of paper in the cassette 131 of the paper supply unit 13. The output of the paper out sensor 83 changes depending on whether paper is left or not. For example, the out-of-paper sensor 83 is a reflective optical sensor that irradiates light from a hole provided in the placement plate toward the paper (see FIG. 2). However, it is possible to detect the out of paper by other methods, as long as the presence or absence of the paper can be detected. The output of the out-of-paper sensor 83 is transmitted to the CPU 10a via the I / O port 10c of the printer control unit 10. Thereby, the CPU 10a can recognize the presence or absence of paper.

  The paper sensors 841 to 843 are sensors for detecting the paper conveyance status. For example, the paper sensors 841 to 843 detect the arrival and passage of paper. For example, the paper sensors 841 to 843 are transmissive optical sensors. However, other sensors may be used for the paper sensors 841 to 843 as long as the presence / absence (arrival or passage) of the paper can be detected. For example, a plurality of paper sensors 841 to 843 are provided along the paper conveyance path. For example, the paper sensor 841 is provided in front of the registration roller pair 143, the paper sensor 842 is provided at the exit position of the fixing unit 17, and the paper sensor 843 is provided at the paper discharge port 144 (see FIG. 2). Outputs of the paper sensors 841 to 843 are transmitted to the CPU 10a via the I / O port 10c of the printer control unit 10. Then, the CPU 10a recognizes that a jam has occurred when arrival of paper cannot be detected from the time of paper feeding or when arrival of paper cannot be detected during the time zone of detection of paper passage.

  The toner sensors 85M to 85Bk are sensors for detecting the remaining amount of toner in each container 6. One toner sensor is provided for each container 6 (see FIG. 2). The output of each toner sensor is transmitted to the CPU 10 a via the I / O port 10 c of the printer control unit 10. Thus, the CPU 10a recognizes the remaining amount of toner in each container 6.

  The top cover sensor 86 is a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the top cover 1b. The output of the top cover sensor 86 changes depending on whether the top cover 1b is open or closed. For example, the top cover sensor 86 is an interlock switch that comes into contact with the top cover 1b when the top cover 1b is closed (see FIG. 2). However, the upper surface cover sensor 86 may be an optical sensor or the like as long as it can detect opening and closing of the upper surface cover 1b. The output of the top cover sensor 86 is transmitted to the CPU 10 a via the I / O port 10 c of the printer control unit 10. Thereby, the CPU 10a can recognize whether the top cover 1b is open or closed.

  The front cover sensor 87 is a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the front cover 1a. The output of the front cover sensor 87 varies depending on whether the front cover 1a is open or closed. For example, the front cover sensor 87 is an interlock switch that comes into contact with the front cover 1a when the front cover 1a is closed (see FIG. 2). However, the front cover sensor 87 may be an optical sensor or the like as long as it can detect opening and closing of the front cover 1a. The output of the front cover sensor 87 is transmitted to the CPU 10 a via the I / O port 10 c of the printer control unit 10. Thereby, CPU10a can recognize whether the front cover 1a is open or closed.

(Status display on panel 11)
Next, an example of status display in the image forming apparatus (printer 1) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram enlarging an installation portion of the LED 5 of the panel unit 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of LEDs 5 (light emitting elements) for displaying the state of the printer 1. In the printer 1 of this embodiment, ReadyLED 51 (equivalent to a light emitting element and a reference light emitting element), DataLED 52 (corresponding to a light emitting element), JamLED 53 (corresponding to a light emitting element), PaperLED 54 (corresponding to a light emitting element), TonerLED 55 (corresponding to a light emitting element). ) And Attention LED 56 (corresponding to light emitting elements), a total of six. The number of LEDs 5 provided may be 5 or less, or 7 or more.

  The printer control unit 10 controls turning on / off of the LEDs 51 to 56. The CPU 10a of the printer control unit 10 recognizes the state of the printer 1 based on outputs from various sensors (state detection units). Then, the CPU 10a instructs the LED controller 10d to turn on and off the LED 5 in accordance with the state of the printer 1. The LED control unit 10d is a circuit that actually controls turning on and off of the LEDs 51 to 56. Based on an instruction from the CPU 10a, the LED control unit 10d supplies a current to the LED 5 to be turned on and does not pass a current to the LED 5 to be turned off.

  When the online key 1c is pressed in the offline state to place the printer 1 in the online state, the printer control unit 10 turns on the Ready LED 51. Further, when the online key 1c is pressed in the online state to place the printer 1 in the offline state, the printer control unit 10 turns off the Ready LED 51.

  When the data communication unit 18 receives printing data from the computer 200, the printer control unit 10 turns on the Data LED 52 (may be blinking). On the other hand, the printer control unit 10 turns off the DataLED 52 when printing data is not received from the computer 200.

  Further, when a jam is detected based on the outputs of the paper sensors 841 to 843, the printer control unit 10 turns on the Jam LED 53. On the other hand, the printer control unit 10 turns off the Jam LED 53 when a jam is not detected.

  Further, when a paper out error is detected based on the output of the paper out sensor 83, the printer control unit 10 turns on the Paper LED 54. On the other hand, the printer control unit 10 turns off the Paper LED 54 in a state where the presence of paper is detected.

  Further, when the toner out error in any of the containers 6 is detected based on the outputs of the toner sensors 85M to 85Bk, the printer control unit 10 turns on the TonerLED 55. On the other hand, the printer control unit 10 turns off the Toner LED 55 if no toner out is detected.

  Further, when it is detected that the cassette 131 is removed based on the output of the cassette sensor 81, when it is detected that the upper surface cover 1b is opened based on the output of the upper surface cover sensor 86, or when the front cover sensor 87 is detected. The printer control unit 10 turns on the Attention LED 56 when calling attention to the user, for example, when it is detected that the front cover 1a is opened based on the output of. On the other hand, if the printer control unit 10 has not detected a state to call attention, the printer LED 10 turns off the Attention LED 56.

(Communication display on panel 11 and status display on portable terminal 2)
Next, an example of communication display for the portable terminal 2 using the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating an example of communication display for the mobile terminal 2 using the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11.

  The panel unit 11 of the printer 1 of the present embodiment emits an optical signal indicating the state of the printer 1 for the mobile terminal 2 using the LEDs 51 to 56 in the middle of the status display of the normal printer 1 for the user. (Perform communication display). In this optical signal, the printer control unit 10 includes the status information of the printer 1 in the optical signal by switching the lighting pattern of the LEDs 51 to 56. In other words, the panel part 11 transmits the lighting pattern of each LED 51-56 encoded.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the printer control unit 10 performs state display for the user using the normal LEDs 51 to 56 in a certain section (normal display section t <b> 1 in FIG. 7). A section for performing communication display on the mobile terminal 2 is provided between the normal display section t1 and the normal display section t1 (communication display section t2 in FIG. 7).

  Thus, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 of the present embodiment switches between normal display (display for the user) and communication display (display for the mobile terminal 2) in a time-sharing manner. In other words, the panel unit 11 performs a normal state display for the user for a predetermined time, and once performs a communication display for the mobile terminal 2, the normal state for the user again. Display. Note that the length of the communication display section t2 for performing communication display that emits an optical signal to the portable terminal 2 only needs to be captured by the portable terminal 2, and may not be followed by human eyes.

  The length of the normal display section t1 and the length of the communication display section t2 may be set by the computer 200 connected to the printer 1. For example, on the printer driver software installed in the computer 200, the length of the normal display section t1 and the setting of the communication display section t2 are accepted, and the setting contents are transmitted to the printer 1. Accordingly, the printer control unit 10 switches between the status display and the communication display according to the setting by the user.

  And a user makes the portable terminal 2 receive and recognize the optical signal which the panel part 11 emits in the communication display area t2 by image | photographing the panel part 11 with portable terminals 2, such as a smart phone. Therefore, in the flash memory 24 of the mobile terminal 2 of the present embodiment, the mobile control unit 20 recognizes information included in the optical signal emitted from the printer 1 and received by the imaging unit 26, and based on the recognized information, An application 7 for displaying information of the printer 1 on the display unit 21 of the portable terminal 2 is stored.

  When the application 7 for recognizing information included in the optical signal is activated by a user's touch or the like, the portable control unit 20 displays the status of the printer 1 included in the optical signal transmitted from the panel unit 11. Information is received by the imaging unit 26. The application 7 includes a protocol (protocol) for communication using an optical signal between the panel unit 11 and the portable terminal 2 in order to recognize the contents that the lighting patterns of the LEDs 51 to 56 mean. Then, the portable control unit 20 recognizes the status information of the printer 1 included in the optical signal. Further, the printer control unit 10 turns on and off the LEDs 51 to 56 in the communication display section t2 based on the communication protocol.

  Here, in order to enable the mobile terminal 2 to recognize when the panel unit 11 emits an optical signal toward the mobile terminal 2, in the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment, the printer control unit 10 Then, the light emitting state of the ReadyLED 51 is switched from the state of the normal display section t1 to notify the mobile terminal 2 that it is the communication display section t2. The portable control unit 20 recognizes switching of the light emission state of the ReadyLED 51 (lighting → lighting off, lighting off → lighting) based on the image data captured by the imaging unit 26, and the panel unit 11 emits an optical signal toward the mobile terminal 2. Recognize whether or not In addition, LED5 used as the reference | standard which notifies the portable terminal 2 that it is communication display area t2 may use other LED5 instead of ReadyLED51.

  Usually, the Ready LED 51 is maintained in a lighting state. Then, the printer control unit 10 temporarily turns off the Ready LED 51 (in the timing chart of the Ready LED (1) in FIG. 7) when it enters a communication state in which an optical signal for the portable terminal 2 is emitted (during the communication display section t2). ). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer control unit 10 switches to the light-on / off pattern of the remaining five LEDs 52 to 56 in order to transmit information to the mobile terminal 2 in the section where the Ready LED 51 is turned off. As a result, information encoded by the five LEDs 52 to 56 is emitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the printer control unit 10 changes the five LEDs 52 to 56 (DataLED 52, JamLED 53, PaperLED54, TonerLED55, AttentionLED56) according to the status information of the printer 1 in the communication display section t2. The normal display section t1 and the lighting / lighting pattern are switched. Then, the printer controller 10 causes the portable terminal 2 to transmit an optical signal including information indicating the state of the printer 1 to the panel unit 11 by the encoded lighting on / off pattern of the five LEDs 52 to 56.

  As described above, when the Ready LED 51 is maintained in the lit state in the normal display section t1, the portable control unit 20 sets the LEDs 51 to 56 when the Ready LED 51 in the image data captured by the imaging unit 26 is turned off. Based on the turn-on / off pattern and the rules, the information contained in the optical signal is recognized to recognize the state of the printer 1. Then, the portable control unit 20 causes the display unit 21 to display information indicating the state of the recognized printer 1. Thereby, the user can confirm the detailed contents of the state of the printer 1 on the portable terminal 2.

  Note that the ReadyLED 51 may be maintained in a light-off state in the normal display section t1. The portable control unit 20 can recognize whether the Ready LED 51 is maintained in the lit state or the unlit state in the normal display section t1. The imaging unit 26 outputs the image data obtained by shooting to the portable control unit 20 at a period (frame rate) determined in the specification. The normal display period t1 is longer than the communication display period t2. Based on the pixel value of the pixel where the ReadyLED 51 is located, the portable control unit 20 can recognize whether the ReadyLED 51 is maintained in the lit state or the unlit state in the normal display section t1.

  The printer control unit 10 temporarily turns on the Ready LED 51 when the Ready LED 51 is maintained in an extinguished state and enters a communication state in which an optical signal is emitted toward the mobile terminal 2 (during the communication display section t2) (FIG. 7 is a timing chart of ReadyLED (2) in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the printer control unit 10 switches the lighting pattern of the five LEDs 52 to 56 in order to transmit the status information of the printer 1 to the portable terminal 2 in the section where the Ready LED 51 is lit. Communicate information.

  When it is recognized that the Ready LED 51 is maintained in the extinguished state in the normal display section t1, the portable control unit 20 sets each of the LEDs 51 to 56 when the Ready LED 51 in the image data photographed by the imaging unit 26 is lit. Based on the turn-on / off pattern and the rules, the information contained in the optical signal is recognized to recognize the state of the printer 1.

  In the timing chart of FIG. 7, the printer control unit 10 shows an example in which only one on / off pattern of the five LEDs 52 to 56 is displayed in the communication display section t2. However, at a cycle that does not exceed the cycle (frame rate) at which the imaging unit 26 of the mobile terminal 2 outputs the image data, the printer control unit 10 performs the turn-on / off pattern of the five LEDs 52 to 56 a plurality of times in the communication display period t2. You may switch. Thereby, the amount of information emitted in one communication display section t2 can be increased.

  Further, the printer 1 cannot recognize when the panel unit 11 is shot from the portable terminal 2. Therefore, the printer control unit 10 periodically displays the LEDs 51 to 56 with a predetermined lighting / light-off pattern indicating the start point of the optical signal including the state of the printer 1. An on / off pattern indicating the start of the optical signal for the portable terminal 2 is defined in the regulations. The portable control unit 20 recognizes the light-on / off pattern indicating the start of the optical signal from the image data in the communication display section t2 output from the imaging unit 26, and recognizes the start point of the optical signal.

(Communication display toward mobile terminal 2 and status display on mobile terminal 2)
Next, an example of the flow of communication display toward the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment and the status display on the mobile terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of communication display toward the mobile terminal 2 using the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 and the status display on the mobile terminal 2.

  First, the start of FIG. 8 is a time point when the application 7 is activated on the portable terminal 2 by an operation on the touch panel unit 22 or the like.

  First, when it is necessary for the user to check the status of the printer 1 such as when an error occurs or a print job is being executed, the printer control unit 10 provides a communication display section t2 between the normal display sections t1 to determine a predetermined communication. In the display section t2, the lighting pattern of each of the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 is switched, and an optical signal including state information indicating the state of the printer 1 is transmitted to the panel unit 11 toward the portable terminal 2 (step #). 1).

  When the printer control unit 10 transmits an optical signal, first, the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 are turned on and off with an on / off pattern indicating the start of the optical signal. Subsequently, the printer control unit 10 sequentially transmits light signals including the status information of the printer 1 by switching the lighting pattern of the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 every time the normal display section t1 is reached in accordance with the convention. Then, when the printer control unit 10 transmits the last optical signal to convey the state information to the mobile terminal 2, the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 are turned on / off again with a lighting / lighting pattern indicating the start of the light signal. Let And every time it becomes the normal display area t1, the optical signal containing state information is sequentially transmitted. As described above, when it is necessary for the user to check the status of the printer 1, the printer control unit 10 causes the panel unit 11 to repeat the display of the lighting / lighting pattern indicating the start of the optical signal and the transmission of the status information.

  On the other hand, in the portable terminal 2, when the application 7 is activated, the portable control unit 20 activates and operates the imaging unit 26 (step # 2). Then, when the user holds the portable terminal 2 over the panel unit 11 of the printer 1, the imaging unit 26 of the portable terminal 2 photographs the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 (step # 3).

  Then, the portable control unit 20 recognizes the turn-on / off pattern of each of the LEDs 51 to 56 based on the image data obtained by shooting in the communication display section t2 (step # 4). Next, the portable control unit 20 In transmitting the state 1, it is confirmed whether or not the recognition of all (a series of) lighting patterns has been completed (step # 5). In other words, the portable control unit 20 shoots and confirms whether or not all the turn-on / off patterns to be recognized have been recognized. For example, when the portable control unit 20 recognizes a light-on / off pattern indicating the start point and then recognizes a light-on / off pattern indicating the start point, it determines that all the light-on / off patterns to be recognized have been recognized.

  If not all the lighting patterns are recognized (No in step # 5), the flow returns to step # 3. On the other hand, if all the lighting patterns are recognized (Yes in step # 5), the portable control unit 20 determines the status of the printer 1 included in the optical signal in the communication display section t2 based on the lighting patterns and the rules. Information is recognized (step # 6). Then, the portable control unit 20 displays the recognized status information of the printer 1 on the display unit 21 (Step # 7 → End).

(Status display of the printer 1 on the portable terminal 2)
Next, an example of the status display of the printer 1 in the portable terminal 2 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display during acquisition (receiving) of the optical signal of the mobile terminal 2. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a status display during printing of the printer 1 in the mobile terminal 2. FIGS. 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of the status display of the printer 1 when an error occurs in the mobile terminal 2.

  First, in the mobile terminal 2 according to the present embodiment, the mobile control unit 20 displays image data (image data after being processed by the image processing unit 20b) obtained and captured by the imaging unit 26 as the display unit 21. To display. The imaging unit 26 outputs the image data to the portable control unit 20 at a constant cycle. Therefore, the portable control unit 20 causes the display unit 21 to switch the display at a constant cycle based on image data input at a constant cycle (sometimes referred to as “through display” or “preview display”). For example, the display state before releasing the shutter in a digital camera is applicable. Therefore, the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 displays the shooting state of the imaging unit 26 in a moving image. Thereby, the user can recognize the shooting state of the imaging unit 26 by viewing the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 and confirming the composition and the distance to the subject.

  And the information contained in the optical signal based on the lighting pattern of each LED 51-56 is recognized with the portable terminal 2 by the touch etc. by the touch panel part 22, and the status display of the printer 1 can be performed with the portable terminal 2 When the application 7 is activated, the printer control unit 10 operates the imaging unit 26 to display the captured image data on the display unit 21 (see FIG. 9 and the like).

  When the application 7 is activated, the user photographs the panel unit 11 so that all the LEDs 51 to 56 provided on the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 are included in the photographing range. Here, the portable control unit 20 causes the display unit 21 to display the frame 9 in which the LED 5 of the panel unit 11 should be accommodated. Also, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the portable control unit 20 displays a frame description column 91 that displays the description of the frame 9 displayed on the display unit 21. Image data for displaying the frame 9 and the frame description column 91 and data indicating the display position of the frame 9 on the display unit 21 are included in the application 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the frame description column 91 includes a description “Please set ReadyLED to this frame”. Accordingly, the user can recognize an appropriate composition to be photographed by the imaging unit 26 of the portable terminal 2 in order to accurately photograph the optical signal emitted from the panel unit 11 of the printer 1.

  Note that a model selection field 92 for selecting a model corresponding to the printer 1 being used by the application 7 is provided at the lower left position of the portable terminal 2. Depending on the model, the number of LEDs 5 and the installation position of the panel unit 11 may change. Therefore, the user can select the model of the printer 1 by pressing and operating the model selection field 92.

  The portable control unit 20 recognizes the on / off state of the LEDs 51 to 56 of the panel unit 11 based on the image data obtained by the imaging unit 26 in the communication display section t2. For example, the position of the pixel corresponding to each of the LEDs 51 to 56 is determined in the application 7 in the image data captured by the imaging unit 26. For example, the portable control unit 20 recognizes whether the LEDs 51 to 56 are turned on or off based on the pixel values (dark and light) of the pixels corresponding to the LEDs 51 to 56.

  And the portable control part 20 is DataLED52, JamLED53, PaperLED54. The content of the optical signal emitted from the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 is recognized by the pattern of lighting and extinguishing of the Toner LED 55 and the Attention LED 56.

  By turning on and off the five LEDs 52 to 56, the mobile terminal 2 can acquire information for 5 bits with one lighting pattern. As will be described later, information such as characters is also transmitted from the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 to the portable terminal 2 as an optical signal. For this reason, it may be necessary to capture a plurality of times of lighting patterns with the imaging unit 26 of the portable terminal 2 until the panel unit 11 finishes transmitting information indicating the state of the printer 1. In other words, it may be necessary to continue photographing the panel unit 11 in the communication display section t2 a plurality of times.

  For this reason, during reading of a series of lighting patterns, the portable control unit 20 indicates that the imaging and acquisition of the optical signal emitted by the panel unit 11 has started, that the optical signal is being received (reading), the optical signal, It may be displayed on the display unit 21 that the acquisition and recognition of the information is completed.

  Next, transmission of an optical signal from the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 and display on the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, transmission of an optical signal during printing and display on the portable terminal 2 will be described with reference to FIG. For example, during printing, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 transmits information regarding a job being printed as an optical signal to the mobile terminal 2 using the LEDs 51 to 56. For example, the printer control unit 10 indicates that printing is currently being performed or information indicating the name of the user who is printing (the computer name that transmitted the print data may be used. In FIG. 10, the user name is exemplified as “Aaaa”). Or information indicating the data name of the print data (in FIG. 10, the data name is exemplified as “report”), or information indicating what page is currently being printed among all pages of the print job (FIG. 10, for example, “25/50 page”) and an optical signal including information indicating the remaining amount of paper in the cassette 131 based on the output of the remaining amount sensor 82 (exemplified as “20%” in FIG. 10). By switching on / off patterns of the five LEDs 52 to 56, the panel unit 11 is transmitted to the portable terminal 2.

  The portable control unit 20 confirms the image data obtained by the photographing of the imaging unit 26, recognizes the lighting / lighting patterns of the five LEDs 52 to 56, and indicates that printing is being performed according to a series of lighting / lighting patterns and rules, The contents of the user name, the data name of the printing data, the information indicating what page is currently being printed out of all pages, and the information indicating the remaining amount of paper in the cassette 131 are recognized. In other words, the portable control unit 20 recognizes the printing state of the printer 1 based on the image data obtained by photographing the panel unit 11 of the imaging unit 26. Then, the portable control unit 20 newly displays a status display column 93 on the display unit 21 of the portable terminal 2 and causes the status display column 93 to display a status of printing of the printer 1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, transmission of an optical signal when an error occurs and display on the portable terminal 2 will be described. The user recognizes that an error has occurred by the normal status display of the panel unit 11 of the printer 1.

  When an error occurs, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 transmits information regarding the generated error as an optical signal to the mobile terminal 2 during printing. For example, the printer control unit 10 transmits information indicating that an error is currently occurring and a type indicating the error that has occurred.

  For example, FIG. 11 shows an example of display on the mobile terminal 2 when a jam occurs. When the printer control unit 10 detects a paper jam based on the output of the paper sensors 841 to 843, the printer control unit 10 opens to the mobile terminal 2 to indicate that a jam error has occurred or to clear the jam. Information indicating a cover to be transmitted is transmitted to the panel unit 11 as an optical signal.

  The portable control unit 20 confirms the image data obtained by the imaging of the imaging unit 26, recognizes the lighting / lighting patterns of the five LEDs 52 to 56, and indicates that an error has occurred according to a series of lighting / lighting patterns and rules, Recognize that a jam has occurred as an error and information indicating the cover to be opened. In other words, the portable control unit 20 recognizes the state of the printer 1 in which an error has occurred, based on the image data obtained by photographing the panel unit 11 of the imaging unit 26. Then, the mobile control unit 20 newly displays a status display column 94 on the display unit 21 of the mobile terminal 2 and displays an error and a processing method generated by the printer 1 in the status display column 94.

  Also, for example, FIG. 12 shows an example of display on the portable terminal 2 when toner runs out. When the printer control unit 10 detects the empty state of the container 6 based on the outputs of the toner sensors 85M to 85Bk, the printer control unit 10 indicates information indicating that the toner has run out toward the portable terminal 2, and the container in which the toner has become empty. 6 and information indicating the remaining amount of each color container 6 are transmitted to the panel unit 11.

  The portable control unit 20 confirms the image data obtained by the imaging of the imaging unit 26, recognizes the lighting / extinguishing patterns of the five LEDs 52 to 56, and an out-of-toner error occurs due to a series of lighting / extinguishing patterns and rules. Recognize the fact, information indicating the empty container 6 and information indicating the remaining amount of the container 6 of each color. In other words, the portable control unit 20 recognizes the state of the printer 1 in which the toner out error has occurred based on the image data obtained by the photographing of the panel unit 11 of the imaging unit 26. Then, the portable control unit 20 newly displays a status display column 95 on the display unit 21 of the portable terminal 2. For example, the status display column 95 indicates that the toner has run out and the remaining amount of each color container 6. Display.

  As described above, the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment includes the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) and the portable terminal 2, and the image forming apparatus includes the print engine unit 12 (the paper feeding unit 13) that performs printing. , Conveyance path 14, image forming unit 15, conveyance belt unit 16, fixing unit 17 and the like, and a state detection unit for detecting the state of the image forming apparatus (for example, cassette sensor 81, paper remaining amount sensor 82, out of paper) Sensor 83, paper sensors 841 to 843, toner sensors 85M to 85Bk, top cover sensor 86, front cover sensor 87, etc.) and a plurality of light emitting elements (each LED 51 to 56) for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus. In the middle of displaying the state of the image forming apparatus to the user, the light-on / off pattern of the plurality of light-emitting elements is switched to the portable terminal 2. The portable terminal 2 includes an imaging unit 26, a storage unit (flash memory 24) for storing the application 7, an image, Based on the display unit 21 that displays the screen and the application 7, the state information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal is recognized from the image data obtained by photographing the panel unit 11 with the imaging unit 26, and the image forming apparatus And a processing unit (portable control unit 20) that displays the state of the above on the display unit 21.

  The present invention can also be understood as an image forming apparatus in the image forming system 100. Specifically, the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) includes a print engine unit 12 (a paper feeding unit 13, a conveyance path 14, an image forming unit 15, a conveyance belt unit 16, a fixing unit 17, and the like) that performs printing, and an image. A state detection unit for detecting the state of the forming apparatus (for example, cassette sensor 81, paper remaining amount sensor 82, paper out sensor 83, paper sensors 841 to 843, toner sensors 85M to 85Bk, upper surface cover sensor 86, front cover sensor 87) and a plurality of light emitting elements (each LED 51 to 56) for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus, and the state of the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) is displayed to the user by the light emitting elements. A panel for switching on / off patterns of a plurality of light emitting elements to transmit an optical signal including state information of the image forming apparatus toward the portable terminal 2 It includes a section 11, the.

  The present invention can also be understood as the portable terminal 2 in the image forming system 100. Specifically, the portable terminal 2 includes an image forming device (e.g., an image forming device (e.g., a flash memory 24) that stores the application unit 7, a display unit 21 that displays an image and a screen, and the application 7. The status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal is recognized from the image data obtained by photographing the plurality of light emitting elements (each LED 51 to 56) of the printer 1) with the imaging unit 26, and the status of the image forming apparatus is determined. And a processing unit (mobile control unit 20) to be displayed on the display unit 21.

  According to the image forming system 100, the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1), and the portable terminal 2, the user can simply shoot each light emitting element (each LED 51 to 56) of the image forming apparatus with the portable terminal 2. The portable terminal 2 can recognize the state of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the user does not have to translate what message the image forming apparatus is issuing while recognizing the light-on / off pattern of the light-emitting element that is switched a plurality of times and looking at the manual or the like. Even if there is a lot of status information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal, there is no increase in the burden on the user. In addition, the user does not have to move to the installation place of the computer 200 that displays the state of the image forming apparatus in order to know the state of the image forming apparatus as in the past. The user can recognize the message issued from the image forming apparatus accurately and easily on the portable terminal 2. In this way, the state of the image forming apparatus can be recognized simply and accurately, and the user-friendliness can be improved.

  In the image forming system 100, the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) has a code display body (code 1e) including information indicating the download destination of the application 7 corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus, and the portable terminal. 2 has a communication unit (wireless communication unit 29) for communicating with the outside, and the processing unit (portable control unit 20) of the portable terminal 2 is obtained by photographing the code display body with the imaging unit 26. Based on the received image data, the download destination of the application 7 is recognized, and the communication unit (wireless communication unit 29) of the mobile terminal 2 acquires the application 7 corresponding to the image forming apparatus from the recognized download destination. Further, when viewed as an invention of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) has a code display body (code 1e) including information indicating a download destination of the application 7 corresponding to the model.

  Thereby, the application 7 corresponding to the format and type of the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) can be downloaded to the portable terminal 2 without complicated operation and work. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize the state of the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) using the imaging unit 26 with the portable terminal 2.

  In the image forming system 100, the panel unit 11 is a reference for informing the mobile terminal 2 that an optical signal is being transmitted from any one of the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs 51 to 56). While being used as a light emitting element (for example, ReadyLED 51), the reference light emitting element is turned on or off during transmission of an optical signal, and the processing unit (portable control unit 20) of the portable terminal 2 is turned on or off. In this state, the state information included in the optical signal is recognized from the image data obtained by the imaging by the imaging unit 26 that is transmitting the optical signal. Further, when viewed as the invention of the image forming apparatus, the panel unit 11 is a reference light emitting element for notifying the portable terminal 2 that an optical signal is being transmitted from any one of the plurality of light emitting elements. And the reference light emitting element is turned on or off during the transmission of the optical signal.

  Thereby, the start time and end time of transmission (light emission) of the optical signal of the panel unit 11 can be indicated to the portable terminal 2 by the reference light emitting element. Therefore, the processing unit of the mobile terminal 2 can accurately recognize information included in the optical signal.

  In the image forming system 100, the display unit 21 of the portable terminal 2 displays the shooting state of the imaging unit 26 based on the image data obtained by shooting of the imaging unit 26, and the processing unit (portable control) of the portable terminal 2. Based on the application 7, the unit 20) causes the display unit 21 to display the frame 9 in which the light emitting elements (the respective LEDs 51 to 56) of the panel unit 11 are accommodated during display of the shooting state. Thereby, when receiving the optical signal from the panel part 11, it can be made to image | photograph by the imaging part 26 with a composition suitable for a user. Therefore, information included in the optical signal can be accurately recognized by the processing unit of the mobile terminal 2.

  In the image forming system 100, during printing, the panel unit 11 of the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) transmits an optical signal indicating the printing status, and the processing unit (portable control unit 20) of the portable terminal 2 A state during printing of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit 21. Further, when viewed as an invention of an image forming apparatus, the panel unit 11 transmits an optical signal indicating a printing state during printing. Thereby, it is possible to easily know the state of the image forming apparatus during printing, such as the remaining number of printed sheets.

  In the image forming system 100, the state detection unit (for example, the cassette sensor 81, the remaining paper sensor 82, the out-of-paper sensor 83, the paper sensors 841 to 843, the toner sensors 85M to 85Bk, the top cover sensor 86, and the front cover sensor 87). Etc.), the panel unit 11 of the image forming apparatus (for example, the printer 1) transmits an optical signal indicating at least the type of the generated error, and the processing unit (portable control) of the mobile terminal 2 The unit 20) displays the generated error on the display unit 21. Further, in the case of the invention of the image forming apparatus, when the occurrence of an error is detected by the state detection unit, the panel unit 11 transmits an optical signal indicating at least the type of error that has occurred. As a result, if the image pickup unit 26 of the portable terminal 2 is held over the panel unit 11 to take an image, the generated error can be recognized immediately.

  Another embodiment will be described. As an example of the status of the printer 1 when an error occurs, a jam or toner out has been described as an example. For example, an image data reception error in the data communication unit 18 of the printer 1 or a sheet of paper in the cassette 131 of the paper feed unit 13 is described. For other errors such as disconnection, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 emits an optical signal toward the portable terminal 2 and displays the status of the printer 1 on the portable terminal 2 based on the image data obtained by photographing. Also good.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the printer 1 being printed or the printer 1 is in an error state, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 emits an optical signal toward the portable terminal 2 and is obtained by photographing. The example in which the status of the printer 1 is displayed on the portable terminal 2 based on the obtained image data has been described. However, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 emits an optical signal toward the mobile terminal 2 during printing and when an error has occurred but not in printing, and based on the image data obtained by shooting, the mobile terminal 2 may display the status of the printer 1. In this case, for example, the panel unit 11 of the printer 1 emits an optical signal including information such as the remaining amount of toner in each container 6 and the remaining amount of paper in the cassette 131 toward the portable terminal 2. The status of the printer 1 may be displayed with respect to the remaining amount of toner and the remaining amount of paper.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although demonstrated taking the smart phone as an example as the portable terminal 2, if the imaging part 26, the display part 21, the wireless communication part 29 (communication part), the portable control part 20, etc. are provided. The present invention can be applied to, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a portable notebook computer, a portable game machine, and the like.

  Moreover, although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used in a portable terminal provided with an imaging unit (camera), an image forming apparatus such as a printer that does not have a liquid crystal panel, and an image forming system provided with these portable terminal and image forming apparatus.

100 image forming system 1 printer (image forming apparatus)
1e Code (Code Display) 11 Panel 12 Print Engine 13 Paper Feeder (Print Engine)
14 Conveyance path (print engine unit) 15 Image forming unit (print engine unit)
16 Conveyor belt unit (printing engine unit)
17 Fixing part (print engine part)
51 ReadyLED (light emitting element, reference light emitting element)
52 DataLED (Light Emitting Element) 53 JamLED (Light Emitting Element)
54 PaperLED (light emitting element) 55 TonerLED (light emitting element)
56 Attention LED (Light Emitting Element)
81 Cassette sensor (status detection unit) 82 Paper level sensor (status detection unit)
83 Paper out sensor (status detector) 841 Paper sensor (status detector)
842 Paper sensor (status detector) 843 Paper sensor (status detector)
85M toner sensor (status detector) 85C toner sensor (status detector)
85Y toner sensor (status detector) 85Bk toner sensor (status detector)
86 Top cover sensor (status detector)
87 Front cover sensor (status detector)
2 Mobile terminal 20 Mobile control unit (processing unit)
21 Display unit 24 Flash memory (storage unit)
26 Imaging unit 29 Wireless communication unit (communication unit)
9 frames

Claims (10)

Including an image forming apparatus and a portable terminal,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A print engine section for printing;
A state detector for detecting the state of the image forming apparatus;
Including a plurality of light emitting elements for displaying the state of the image forming apparatus, and switching the lighting pattern of the light emitting elements while switching the state of the image forming apparatus to the user by the light emitting elements. A panel unit for transmitting an optical signal including state information of the image forming apparatus toward the mobile terminal;
A code display body including information indicating a download destination of the application corresponding to the model of the image forming apparatus ,
The portable terminal is
An imaging unit;
A storage unit for storing the application;
A display for displaying images and screens;
Based on the application, the state information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal is recognized from image data obtained by photographing the panel unit with the imaging unit, and the state of the image forming apparatus is displayed on the display unit. A processing unit to be displayed on
And a communication unit for performing external communication, only including,
The processing unit of the mobile terminal recognizes a download destination of the application based on image data obtained by photographing the code display body with the imaging unit,
The image forming system, wherein the communication unit of the portable terminal acquires the application corresponding to the image forming apparatus from a recognized download destination . The panel unit uses any one of the plurality of light emitting elements as a reference light emitting element for transmitting to the mobile terminal that the optical signal is being transmitted, and transmits the optical signal. During, turn on or off the reference light emitting element,
The processing unit of the portable terminal includes status information included in an optical signal from image data obtained by photographing by the imaging unit that is transmitting the optical signal while the reference light emitting element is turned on or off. The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein: The display unit of the mobile terminal displays a shooting state of the imaging unit based on image data obtained by shooting of the imaging unit,
3. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit of the mobile terminal causes the display unit to display a frame in which the light emitting element of the panel unit is to be accommodated during display of the shooting state based on the application. The image forming system described. During printing, the panel unit of the image forming apparatus transmits the optical signal indicating the printing status,
Wherein the processing unit of the mobile terminal, an image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to display the status in the printing of the image forming apparatus on the display unit. When the occurrence of an error by said state detecting portion is detected, the panel section of the image forming apparatus, transmits the optical signal indicating the type of at least the error that occurred,
Wherein the processing unit of the mobile terminal, an image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that to display the generated error on the display unit. A print engine section for printing;
A state detector for detecting the state of the image forming apparatus;
Includes a plurality of light-emitting element for displaying the status of the image forming apparatus, in the course of displaying the status of the image forming apparatus to the user by the light emitting device, a mobile switch point off pattern of a plurality of said light emitting element It is seen containing a panel portion for transmitting an optical signal containing the status information of the image forming apparatus to the terminal, and
The panel unit uses any one of the plurality of light emitting elements as a reference light emitting element for transmitting to the portable terminal that the optical signal is being transmitted, and is transmitting the optical signal. An image forming apparatus , wherein the reference light emitting element is turned on or off . The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a code display including information indicating a download destination of an application corresponding to a model of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the panel unit transmits the optical signal indicating a printing state during printing. When the occurrence of an error by said state detecting portion is detected, the panel section, according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that transmits the optical signal that indicates the type of error that at least occurred Image forming apparatus. An imaging unit;
A storage unit for storing the application;
A display for displaying images and screens;
Based on the application, the state information of the image forming apparatus is recognized by recognizing the state information of the image forming apparatus included in the optical signal from the image data obtained by photographing the plurality of light emitting elements of the image forming apparatus with the imaging unit. And a processing unit that displays on the display unit,
And a communication unit for performing external communication, only including,
The processing unit determines a download destination of the application based on image data obtained by photographing a code display including information indicating a download destination of the application corresponding to a model of the image forming apparatus with the imaging unit. Recognized,
The mobile terminal , wherein the communication unit acquires the application corresponding to the image forming apparatus from a recognized download destination .

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